REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree and at least five years’ of experience writing senior level communications
• Demonstrated experience in project management and coordination in a complex, multi-faceted environment involving high-level problem-solving skills
• Exceptional writing and editing with an ability to modify writing tone and voice to match the needs of diverse audiences
• Experience in developing, designing and managing websites and social media
• Extensive knowledge of senior level office practices, university structure, policies and procedures
• Ability to deal with highly confidential and sensitive subjects/issues
• Experience in a supervisory role
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Respects diversity and promotes inclusion in the workplace; contributes to an inclusive, diverse, team-based, positive work environment within the Office of the VPFA and portfolio
• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental stewardship coupled with the ability to recommend and champion leading ideas and strategies for promoting a culture of sustainability at the university
• Ability to assume responsibility for the design, implementation, and completion of special projects, and make recommendations as required
• Advanced analytical skills to interpret data and provide alternative solutions to support senior management problem-solving and planning decisions
• Ability to think and act strategically, creatively, and dynamically in a high-pressure work environment
• Demonstrated project management techniques to achieve results on time; outcome and results-oriented
• Strong relationship building and negotiation skills to foster positive, inclusive, collaborative working relationships and build professional credibility
• Ability to interact effectively with people at all levels of the university, and external stakeholders and partners, with the highest professional standards including tact and diplomacy
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines and interruptions
• Ability to take initiative and to assess and establish priorities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive administrative information and maintain ongoing confidentiality
• Knowledge of university structures, including procedures and administrative processes, considered an asset
• Advanced computer knowledge, specifically of web publishing tools and Microsoft 365 applications
• Ability to think creatively and recommend strategies to enhance the VPFA portfolio’s communications assets, with ideas that change the status quo
• Supervisory skills and ability to motivate staff/colleagues

DECISION MAKING:

• Display sound judgement, set priorities, and determine which project requires the most attention within inflexible time constraints
• In consultation with the Manager, Special Projects, the AVPFA and VPFA, formulate and recommend action plans to efficiently implement projects within existing university policy and procedures
• Plan new initiatives for the portfolio. Determine and recommend necessary enhancements to improve current processes, in order to positively impact the portfolio’s operations and avoid future difficulties
• Provide recommendations on a range of complex matters related to projects for the Office of the VPFA and its portfolio; this advice may be used as the basis for decisions made by the management team
• Determine the optimum method of coordinating information flow within and outside the portfolio and determine how to present or report on information at hand
• Determine appropriate response to inquiries and decide when new information calls for further action such as distribution or verification. Redirect to more senior staff or other individuals as required
• Works closely with VPFA senior administrators to ensure proper documentation and coordination of activities, events, and communications within the portfolio
• Determine details required in minutes and notes of meetings; provide advice, recommendations and follow up; participate in decisions regarding research and background information required in support of all work
• Prepare and advise on tone, content, and substance of agendas, reports, presentations, and communications for a variety of audiences
• Determine priorities and make decisions about student employee utilization and the assignment of work to achieve optimum efficiencies and productivity